When David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds released Three Lions for England’s Euro ’96 campaign, the lyrics “30 years of hurt” sounded like a long time. By the time the next World Cup comes along it will be 60 years, a sobering thought.
While England has come close in recent years, a major tournament victory still evades a team that has generated some of the best talent in the world, but could the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally bring some silverware?
With a year and a half before the tournament, betting odds are likely to change but current European champions are the 6/1 favourite. Brazil, France, and England are just behind at 7/1, indicating how big a chance this team will have.
Of course, England diehards will be able to hunt about for the best odds with offshore, non Gamstop betting operators often offering competitive odds and great deals that can improve bets. Whether Thomas Tuchel’s England team can pull off a victory remains to be seen, but the players below have a great chance of making the squad and having an impact on the outcome.
Harry Kane
England Captain and all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane will be 33 when the next World Cup comes around. The prolific goalscorer has notoriously missed out on silverware during his career, but this should change at Bayern despite last year’s barren season.
Cole Palmer
Palmer was a bit part player during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, but still managed a goal from his 144 minutes of game time. However, over the last two seasons at Chelsea, he has notched 33 goals and 17 assists in 49 games, making him England’s in-form player.
Jude Bellingham
It’s hard to believe that Bellingham is still just 21 having been instrumental at Dortmund and cementing himself as an essential part of the Real Madrid midfield. Another season and a half in La Liga could help take him to the next level, helping England in the process.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden has been a major part of Manchester City’s domestic dominance over the last few years. While City’s form has dipped and he isn’t enjoying the best season, there is no doubt that this 24-year-old still has much more to give.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is one of England and Arsenal’s biggest attacking threats. Still 23, the young winger has been a staple of recent England teams and is likely to play a pivotal role in their World Cup campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is making headlines at the moment due to his contract situation at Liverpool. The creative full-back will have Europe’s elite clubs paying attention if he fails to sign a new deal and will be one of England’s more experienced players at 27 at the World Cup.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice will also be 27 at the time of the World Cup and his dependable performances for club and country have transformed him into one of the country’s best defensive midfielders that can protect the back four and allow other players to be more creative.
Jamie Gittens
The players above are all likely to feature at the World Cup, but some promising talents could continue developing and put themselves in contention.
Gittens of Borussia Dortmund has been catching the eye on the wing for the German club and could feature if he continues doing what he’s doing.
Rico Lewis
Rico Lewis’s versatility could see the young Manchester City defender’s chances of making the squad improve. He can play in either a full-back position or as a defensive midfielder and would provide great cover.
Archie Gray
Archie Gray is another young, versatile talent who broke through at Leeds before securing a £40 million move to Tottenham. He has played at most youth levels for England already, and his quality and ability to play in defence and midfield could be invaluable.
Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United’s reputation for bringing through young talent is legendary, and Mainoo is another promising graduate from the youth system.
He has already established himself as a first-team player and has 10 England caps under his belt at the age of 19.
